Martensitic transformation of copper zinc aluminum shape memory alloy prepared by powder metallurgy technique

Abstract EN

Martensitic transformations are the main concept to obtain shape memory effects and super elasticity for most of shape memory alloys.

In this paper, martensitic transformation of porous CuZnAl shape memory alloy has been studied during direct quenching heat treatment using x-ray diffraction technique to identify phase transformations.

Direct quenching heat treatment includes heating the sintered samples up to 850 °C for 1 hour and then quenching in iced water (0-2 °C).

Optical microscope and scanning electron microscope have been examined for prepared specimens after grinding in 150, 400, 800 and 1200 silicon carbide grit paper and polishing with fine alumina for both etched and unetched specimens to reveal microstructure of formed martensite phase.

Shape memory effect is calculated by measuring of hardness indentation after quenching and after shape recovery treatment using image processing and image analysis of light optical indenter image in addition to compression test.

It appears that direct quenching heat treatment leads to form fully Martensitic microstructure in the system of CuZnAl alloys.